Now Commenting On:

Crawford may play in Minors game Saturday

Crawford may play in Minors game Saturday

BOSTON -- Left fielder Carl Crawford is hoping to play in a Gulf Coast League game on Saturday in Fort Myers, Fla., signifying that his return to the Red Sox could finally be in sight.

"Carl might play in a game [Saturday]," said Red Sox manager Bobby Valentine. "If he felt as good today and in Florida as he did [Wednesday], he's going to DH [Saturday]."

Crawford hasn't played a game in the Majors in 2012. He underwent left wrist surgery over the winter, but was expected to return to the Red Sox by late April or early May. But during the course of rehabbing his wrist, Crawford developed a UCL sprain in his left elbow.

Not only have the Red Sox been without Crawford, but also center fielder Jacoby Ellsbury, who suffered a subluxation of his right shoulder on April 13.

Ellsbury might not be that far behind Crawford in starting a Minor League rehab.

"He's progressing," said Valentine. "He's really progressing. He progressed in the weight room as we came by. When I talked to him [Wednesday] night, he was feeling great."